Art of relaxation

How to make the most of holidays so you unwind and recharge

- BY SARA KEENAN

It can be one of life's big frustrations - you look forward to a holiday all year, and then can't properly relax.

Whether it's work commitments, family duties, or minds are just elsewhere, transitioning from a busy day-to-day life to sudden holiday mode can take some doing.

Senior psychotherapist and founder of Swift Psychology, Dr Michael Swift, who works with people experiencing anxiety and stress, says we have "forgotten what a holiday is meant to be".

"We often think that a holiday is a time when you mentally, emotionally and physically rest. However, when people go on holidays now, that isn't necessarily the case and it is often spent trying to cram lots of things in," he explains.

"The other challenge is being able to switch from daily life into holiday mode," Dr Swift says.

"I often speak with my clients and I explain it's like driving a car at 100mph, then very harshly slamming on the brakes.

"The body and brain doesn't have a lot of time to make that switch, therefore, it's important we try to make that transition a little easier."

Dr Swift and BetterHelp therapist Joanne Saulter share tips on how to properly unwind and destress during those well-needed holidays.

Physically slow down